This class aims at providing an overview of what teaching advanced EFL classes (B1-B2+) actually involves in terms of lesson preparation and assessment strategies.
Using standardised tests as a starting point to sharpen one`s diagnostic skills, we shall then turn to different types of tasks designed to foster language learning and thus help pupils to reach a higher level on the CEFR scale. Due to the sheer scale of the various skills that need to be fosteredin an average EFL classroom, we shall focus our attention on different learning and teaching materials in order to critically assess whether they are actually fit for purpose. Consequently, designing adequate worksheets, tests and online resources will be the next step in an effort to improve teaching skills and to develop proper units of work (rather than "spur of the moment" teaching). Criteria of successful EFL teaching - both from Germany and the UK - will be applied to all the products designed in class in order to enhance lesson planning expertise. As EFL teachers in Germany are expected to deliver the national (KMK standards) and the regional curriculum (KC Niedersachsen), a rigorous study of the documents in question is required.

By the end of term participants are expected to
-provide a critical evaluation of a teaching resource (45 minute in-class test, mid-term)
-use a (set of) material(s) provided by the lecturer to design a unit of work and lesson plan (long-term homework to be submitted after the Christmas break)
-take part in classroom discourse by providing comments and results from academic reading
-be able to critically examine lesson plans against the backdrop of the competence-based approach

All these skills shall be demonstrated and displayed in a portfolio which will be awarded a final grade.